Sixth Form
Psychology
Psychology investigates the fascinating complexities of the human mind and behavior, empowering students to analyse scientific research and theories to decode how we think, feel and function.
At Ryde you can study Psychology at A Level and IBDP.
Why study Psychology at Ryde School?
Studying Psychology at Ryde School at A Level or the International Baccalaureate (IB) offers a dynamic and fascinating pathway for students passionate about the human mind, mental processes, and human behavior. Guided by an experienced, diverse team of educators, our pupils gain deep, scientific insights into how we think, feel, and function, achieving outstanding results both inside and outside the classroom.
As a versatile gateway subject, psychology opens a wealth of diverse opportunities for the future. Our graduates consistently progress to world-class universities, using their psychological insights to build successful careers in fields such as business management, marketing, education, healthcare, sports science, and criminology.
Courses Available
Award
A LEVEL AQA Psychology
Course Content/Structure
Throughout the program, students investigate how we function as individuals and interact with the world around us, developing critical analytical skills by evaluating key theories, biological processes, and psychological research.
This dynamic course covers a diverse range of topics, including:
- Social Influence – Examining why we conform, obey, and how minority groups drive social change.
- Memory – Exploring how we store and retrieve information, why we forget, and the reliability of eyewitness accounts.
- Attachment – Investigating the crucial bonds formed in early childhood and their lifelong impact.
- Psychopathology – Understanding the symptoms, causes, and treatments of mental health conditions like OCD, depression, and phobias.
- Research Methods – Mastering the scientific, mathematical, and statistical tools psychologists use to design and analyze studies.
- Approaches – Comparing the major schools of thought, from behaviorism and cognitive science to psychodynamic theory.
- Biopsychology – Analysing how the brain, nervous system, genetics, and hormones directly dictate our behavior.
- Eating Behaviour – Looking at the psychological and biological factors behind dieting, obesity, and eating disorders.
- Relationships – Delving into the science of attraction, romantic bonds, and modern virtual relationships.
- Aggression – Examining the evolutionary, biological, and social explanations for violent and aggressive behavior.
- Issues and Debates – Debating major scientific controversies, including nature versus nurture, free will versus determinism, and gender or cultural bias in research.
Assessment
Three x 2 hour papers, each contributing a third of the overall marks.
A mixture of multiple choice, short answers and extended writing questions.
IThe International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) Psychology course offers a highly global, holistic exploration of the human experience. Students look at behavior through a unique multi-dimensional lens, examining how biological, cognitive and sociocultural factors interact to shape who we are, while developing the practical, ethical research skills essential for higher education.
This rich and diverse curriculum covers the following key areas:
Hands-on Research Practicals – Actively conducting four immersive class research investigations throughout the course, giving you direct, practical experience in experimental design, data collection and ethical analysis.
The Biological Approach – Analysing how brain physiology, genetics, neurotransmitters, and hormones directly influence our actions, emotions, and decisions.
The Cognitive Approach – Investigating the inner workings of the mind, focusing on how we process, store, and retrieve information, and how this shapes our perception of reality.
The Sociocultural Approach – Exploring how our social environments, cultural backgrounds, and group dynamics fundamentally shape our individual behavior and identity.
Health and Wellbeing – Examining the psychological factors behind lifestyle choices, the impact of stress, coping mechanisms, and how to promote long-term mental and physical wellness.
Human Development – Understanding how we grow, learn, and adapt physically, cognitively, and socially from childhood through to adulthood.
Human Relationships – Delving into the social psychology of human connection, including the science of attraction, how relationships are formed and maintained and the dynamics of cooperation and conflict.
Learning and Cognition – Studying the complex mechanisms behind how we acquire new knowledge, form habits and develop cognitive processes.
Assessment
Paper 1 – SL and HL – 1.5 hours (contexts, content and concepts)
Paper – SL and HL – 1.5 hours (practicals and evaluation of unseen study)
Paper 3 – HL only – 1.75 hours (analysis and interpretation of hl extensions)
Coursework- research proposal for a study